Ajayi, Ogazi , Adeshina shine at NCAA Indoors
Nigerian athletes delivered a remarkable performance at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, as Kanyinsola Ajayi, Samuel Ogazi and Temitope Adeshina captured national titles in
Nigerian athletes delivered a remarkable performance at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, as Kanyinsola Ajayi, Samuel Ogazi and Temitope Adeshina captured national titles in record-breaking fashion.
Ajayi produced one of the highlights of the championships, sprinting to victory in the men’s 60m in 6.45 seconds while representing Auburn Tigers track and field.
His time equalled both the African record and the NCAA collegiate record, finishing ahead of American rival Jelani Watkins, who claimed silver in 6.48 seconds.
Fellow Nigerian Israel Okon also impressed in the final, finishing fifth with a time of 6.57 seconds.
In the men’s 400m, Ogazi delivered another historic run for Alabama Crimson Tide track and field, clocking 44.57 seconds to win gold and set new Nigerian and African indoor records.
His performance now ranks third on the NCAA all-time list and fourth on the world indoor all-time rankings.
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Ogazi later helped Alabama secure silver in the 4x400m relay alongside Mouatez Sikiou, Tarsis Orogot, and Alexander Osayemi, finishing in 3:03.60.
In the women’s high jump, Adeshina successfully defended her title by clearing 1.97m to equal her personal best and Nigerian record.
She finished ahead of Rose Yeboah of Ghana, who cleared 1.94m, while Alyssa Jones took bronze with 1.91m.
Adeshina later attempted 2.00m, a height that would have equalled the NCAA indoor record, but narrowly missed in three attempts.
Nigeria’s strong showing was further highlighted by Ella Onojuvwevwo, who won bronze in the women’s 400m with a time of 50.76 seconds after earlier setting a new African indoor record of 50.28 seconds in the qualifying round.
